The ADA is backing legislation that would help establish and expand primary care team education centers, citing the need to strengthen the dental workforce and improve access to care in underserved communities.  

In a June 23 letter to Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the ADA expressed support for S. 4370, the Primary Care Team Education Centers Act, which would support educational and clinical training opportunities for a range of health professionals, including dental hygienists and dental assistants.  

The ADA said workforce shortages remain one of its top policy priorities and emphasized the role that expanded training programs could play in addressing access-to-care challenges.  

“One of the ADA’s top priorities is addressing workforce shortages to ensure more Americans can access high-quality dental care,” reads the letter. “This legislation is pivotal in mobilizing dental professionals to regions where they are needed most.”  

The Association pointed to its longstanding support for the Teaching Health Center program, which trains health professionals in community-based settings. According to the ADA, the model has demonstrated success in preparing dental professionals who are more likely to practice in high-need areas, such as rural or underserved communities.  

The Association noted that the proposed education centers would build on that approach by creating additional opportunities for training and clinical experience within health centers. The centers would help prepare future members of the oral health workforce, including dental hygienists and dental assistants. It also highlighted ongoing recruitment challenges facing dental practices nationwide, noting that nine out of 10 dentists report difficulty recruiting dental hygienists and assistants.   

The Association said expanding training opportunities for oral healthcare providers could help improve access to dental services in communities facing workforce shortages.  

“We are grateful for your focus on improving training for all oral healthcare providers, which will significantly enhance dental care accessibility across the United States,” the ADA wrote. “The ADA looks forward to working with you to advance this bill and address the critical issues within the dental workforce that impede access to care.”